Antidepressants for Bipolar Disorder

To treat depression in persons with bipolar disorder, psychiatrists may prescribe antidepressants. Generally, the use of antidepressants is limited to treatment during depressive episodes. Once the depressive episode has lifted, the antidepressant gradually is decreased.

Another category of antidepressants is the monoamine oxidase inhibitor. Another type of drug, called tricyclic antidepressants, works by increasing the activity of norepinephrineùanother brain chemical essential for normal moods. They include amitriptyline (Elavil), desipramine (Norpramin, Pertofrane), imipramine (Tofranil), nortriptyline (Pamelor). These drugs, however, are more likely to cause side effects and have a greater risk of being lethal in an overdose.

Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 30 Jan 2013 Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.